SonicC

98 Civic EX
D16y8
182k Miles

Couple of days ago I was doing a compression test on the car (documented in another thread). So I left everything as it was and then last night put the plugs in, connected injectors, connected ignition harness, tried to start it up...nope, just clicking noise coming from the passenger side, from glove box compartment.

Just to note, I've heard this same noise on couple of occasions when the car hasn't been running for a while. It would start up then after a few seconds click a few times and shut off. It would do this 2-3 times and then start normally and run without issues. Now it doesn't want to start at all. I figured the battery might be too weak from when I did comp test, so I let it charge over night. Gave it another try this morning but nothing.

I took couple pictures of the box. It assume it's some sort of a relay? Anyone know what it is called or what it controls?

tony_2018

Main relay.

SonicC

Are there any other things to check out before buying a new main relay?

ekb16

iTrader: (1)

check all your grounds on the engine

SonicC

Will do. Thanks guys.

Former User

Car information is required for all tech threads. To avoid thread lock, add the info to your first post.

SonicC

Updated

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

When you turn the key to ON(II), does the CEL come on for ~2-3 seconds, then turn off?

SonicC

It does.

Former User

White_EG1

With the key in that position do you hear the fuel pump prime? If not I'd say main relay also, but you did state that the sound comes from the passenger side...

SonicC

I took out the main relay tonight...with harness still connected, I put that metal tab (ground) against one of the metal pieces and was able to start up the car immediately. It looks like the spot where the main relay sits has some rust and it was losing contact. Cleaned it up with some sand paper and ran a 12gauge piece of wire from the bolt that secures it to one of the metal pieces...just in case :D

Former User

The main relay does not ground locally.

SonicC

Hm, well something fixed it then...hopefully it stays working

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, that doesn't make sense. That's not a ground strap, it's just a mounting strap. Unplug the relay, and inspect the plug for corrosion. Also, remove the box surrounding the relay and see if the solder has started to crack. Shifting the relay could have "moved" the solder back into position, but it'll only be a temporary fix.

SonicC

I'll keep an eye on it and see how it does...if it gives me trouble again, I'll just get a new one.

Former User

It may not be bad.

SonicC

At least it will eliminate one possible thing that could be bad.

Former User

Poor strategy. Learn to do diagnostics rather than replace parts randomly. You don't need a tech forum to help you do the latter.

SonicC

Fair enough, but if it doesn't fix the problem I can return it and focus on other things that can be causing the problem.

Former User

If the problem recurs, start by buying a digital multimeter.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

And if it does reoccur and you're in the boonies with no tools to fix it, giving it a whack when the key is in ON often helps get you on your way.